🧠 Hearing Loss, Isolation & Loneliness and Cognitive Aging

Hearing Loss + Loneliness? A Harmful Duo for Our Brains

Loneliness, not just social isolation, can worsen the impact of hearing loss on memory as we age.

Published In: Communications Psychology
Date: July 2025
Authors: Lampraki, et al.
Link to Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40634600/

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Summary

This large European study tracked over 33,000 adults aged 50 and older for nearly two decades to explore how hearing loss, loneliness, and social isolation interact to influence cognitive decline. The researchers found that not only does hearing loss predict memory and thinking problems, but these effects are amplified in people who feel lonely, even if they aren’t socially isolated. Surprisingly, loneliness alone had a stronger impact than social isolation when combined with hearing loss.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Hearing impairment was linked to poorer memory and verbal skills over time.
✅ Loneliness, even without isolation, worsened memory loss in people with hearing problems.
✅ The combination of loneliness and hearing loss led to faster cognitive decline than either factor alone.
✅ The “lonely-in-the-crowd” profile – these are people who are socially active but feel lonely – was particularly at risk.
✅ Findings stress the importance of addressing emotional well-being, not just social connection or hearing health.

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Why It Matters for You

If you’re experiencing hearing loss and feelings of loneliness, addressing both, not just one, can help protect your brain. Staying socially engaged and emotionally connected may be key to preserving memory and thinking skills as you age.

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Citation

Lampraki, C., Zuber, S., Turoman, N., et al. (2025). Profiles of social isolation and loneliness as moderators of the longitudinal association between uncorrected hearing impairment and cognitive aging. Communications Psychology, 3, 101. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40634600/